Umrah is a journey of a lifetime, and the way it is planned decides how peaceful it feels. The right route, the right hotel and on-time transport mean you spend your days in worship, not in waiting rooms and taxis. This guide is based on how our team at 5M Travel Solutions plans Umrah for families every week, and it answers the questions our clients ask us most.
In this guide
1. The Best Route: Land in Jeddah, Return from Madinah
Most pilgrims visit two cities, Makkah and Madinah, and Saudi Arabia has an international airport near each of them: Jeddah for Makkah, and Madinah’s own airport. Instead of flying in and out of the same city, we recommend an open-jaw route:
- Land at Jeddah Airport and travel to Makkah, about two hours by road.
- Perform your Umrah and spend your days in worship at Masjid al-Haram.
- Travel from Makkah to Madinah for your stay at Masjid an-Nabawi.
- Fly home directly from Madinah Airport.
This way you never travel back over the same road. There is less time on the road, less tiredness, and more time for ibadah. It is the route we suggest for almost every family, and especially for elderly parents and short trips.
2. How Many Nights in Makkah and Madinah?
We usually give a few more nights to Makkah, because Makkah hotels are often better value than Madinah hotels for the same comfort. This keeps the package pocket-friendly without cutting time from your worship.
| Package | Nights in Makkah | Nights in Madinah |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Days | 6 nights | 4 nights |
| 15 Days (14 nights) | 8 nights | 6 nights |
| 21 Days (20 nights) | 12 nights | 8 nights |
Hotel rates change through the season. When Madinah is the better-value city on your dates, we shift the extra nights there instead. Every package is built around your dates and your budget.
3. Choosing Your Hotel in Makkah
In Makkah, the hotel is the biggest part of your package cost. There are three smart options depending on your budget:
- 5-star hotels next to the Haram: The best choice if budget allows. You step out of the hotel and you are at Masjid al-Haram, which makes all five prayers easy.
- Walking-distance hotels on Ibrahim Khalil Road: A great middle option for a smaller budget. The walk to the Haram is short and on level ground. Hotels in Ajyad are also close, but the area is hilly, so we usually recommend Ibrahim Khalil Road, especially for elderly travellers.
- Hotels with shuttle service: If you want 5-star comfort at a lower price, these hotels are a little further away but run regular shuttles to the Haram. They offer good rooms and real value for money.
4. Choosing Your Hotel in Madinah
Masjid an-Nabawi is surrounded by hotels on four sides, and the side you stay on makes a real difference:
- Qibla side (front side): Towards Masjid al-Ghamamah, close to the Salam gate.
- Ladies Gate side: Our most recommended area.
- Baqi side: Towards Jannat al-Baqi.
- Maidan side: The open square side of the Haram.
Why we recommend the Ladies Gate side: the prayer rows are formed behind the Imam, and the hotels on the Ladies Gate side are all behind the Imam. This makes it easy to reach the rows and join the prayer on time, for both men and women.
5. Transport: From Arrival to Departure
Whether you are flying from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad or anywhere in the world, our team takes care of every transfer:
- Airport pick-up: Our representative meets you at Jeddah Airport and takes you to your hotel in Makkah.
- Makkah to Madinah: Your transfer time is confirmed with you 24 hours in advance.
- Madinah to the airport: Your return transfer is also confirmed 24 hours before.
- Always reachable: Our team stays in touch with you throughout the trip, 24/7.
Private car options are available for families who want their own vehicle on every sector. See our Umrah transport rates for Camry, Staria, GMC, Hiace and Coaster.
6. Ziyarat in Makkah and Madinah
Ziyarat tours are offered separately from the main package, with separate tours for Makkah and Madinah. Each tour takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and covers the major historical sites, including Jabal al-Nour (Cave Hira), Jabal Thawr, Mount Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina in Makkah, and Mount Uhud, Masjid Quba, Masjid al-Qiblatayn and the Khandaq battlefield in Madinah.
Tours run at 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, 2 PM, 3 PM and 4 PM. Please make wudu beforehand and be in your hotel lobby 10 minutes early. Message us on WhatsApp for current Ziyarat rates.
7. Umrah Visa and Flights
Getting your Umrah visa with us is simple. We only need a clear copy of the front page of your passport and an advance payment. Alhamdulillah, we process most Umrah visas within 24 hours.
For flights, we quote the air ticket and the ground package (visa, hotels and transport) separately, so you know exactly what you are paying for. We check fares from your departure city and suggest the best option. If you prefer a direct flight, we try to arrange one; otherwise we guide you to the most suitable connection. Refund and date change rules follow the airline’s own policy, and we explain them clearly before we issue your ticket.
8. When to Book for the Best Price
- Peak season: Ramadan and the December winter holidays are the most expensive times, because demand is highest.
- Rest of the year: Packages are noticeably more affordable.
- Book your flight early: Ideally at least 4 months before travel.
- Plan hotels and visa 1.5 to 2 months ahead: Early planning keeps the overall cost low.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a hotel far from the Haram to save a little money, and then spending more time and energy on the daily walk or taxis.
- Not knowing the transport plan. Many pilgrims land without knowing who will pick them up or when their next transfer is.
- Booking through unknown sources. Always book with a registered agency you can reach at any time.
- Check-in problems. Late or missing hotel bookings at check-in are one of the most stressful experiences. Make sure your bookings are confirmed in advance.
- Delays. Your check-in, your vehicle and every transfer should be on time. This is exactly what we take responsibility for.
Why Pilgrims Choose 5M Travel Solutions
Since 2019, families from across Pakistan and abroad have trusted us with their Umrah. We keep our commitments, we are available 24/7 during your trip, and we design every package around your dates and your budget, with hotel names, room type and transfers shared with you in writing.
Beyond Umrah, we also offer visit visa consultancy for countries worldwide, along with international air tickets, hotel bookings, transport and tours across the world.
Plan Your Umrah with 5M Travel Solutions
Tell us your travel dates and number of travellers, and we will send you a custom package today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I land at for Umrah?
We recommend landing at Jeddah, going to Makkah first for Umrah, then moving to Madinah and flying home from Madinah Airport. It saves travel time and keeps the trip comfortable.
How long does the Umrah visa take?
With a clear passport front page and the advance payment, we process most Umrah visas within 24 hours.
Which area is best for hotels in Madinah?
We usually recommend the Ladies Gate side, because the hotels there are behind the Imam, which makes joining the prayer rows easy.
Is Ziyarat included in the Umrah package?
Ziyarat is offered separately for Makkah and Madinah. Each tour takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, with morning and afternoon time slots.
When is the cheapest time to perform Umrah?
Outside Ramadan and the December holidays. Book your flight about 4 months ahead and your hotels 1.5 to 2 months ahead for the best rates.
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